Chatterbox

Overview

The Chatterbox is an Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) device that allows users to play pre-recorded messages using single or dual switch scanning. The Chatterbox provides auditory and visual feedback to indicate the message a user can play.

The Chatterbox is comprised of off-the-shelf electronics and 3D printed parts.

The Chatterbox is open assistive technology (OpenAT). Under the terms of the open source licenses, the device may be built, used, and improved upon by anyone.

The overall cost of materials is about $135 CAD.

Makers Making Change Assistive Device Library

How to Obtain the Device

1. Do-it-Yourself (DIY) or Do-it-Together (DIT)

This is an open-source assistive technology, so anyone is free to build it. All of the files and instructions required to build the device are contained within this repository. Refer to the Maker Guide below.

2. Request a build of this device

You may also submit a build request through the Makers Making Change Assistive Device Library Listing to have a volunteer maker build the device. As the requestor, you are responsible for reimbursing the maker for the cost of materials and any shipping.

3. Build this device for someone else

If you have the skills and equipment to build this device, and would like to donate your time to create the device for someone who needs it, visit the MMC Maker Wanted section.

Build Instructions

1. Read through the Maker Guide

The Maker Guide contains all the necessary information to build this device, including tool lists, assembly instructions, programming instructions (if applicable) and testing.

2. Order the Off-The-Shelf Components

The Bill of Materials lists all of the parts and components required to build the device.

3. Order the custom PCBS

The PCB Files contain the Gerber files needed to order the PCBs, and instructions on how to order them can be found in the Maker Guide.

4. Print the 3D Printable components

All of the files and individual print files can be found in the /Build_Files/3D_Printing_Files folder.

5. Assemble the Chatterbox

Reference the Assembly Guide section of the Maker Guide for the tools and steps required to build the device.

How to improve this Device

As open source assistive technology, you are welcomed and encouraged to improve upon the design.

Files

Documentation

Document	Version	Link
Design Rationale	1.0	Chatterbox_Design_Rationale
Maker Guide	1.0	Chatterbox_Maker_Guide
Bill of Materials	1.0	Chatterbox_Bill_of_Materials
User Guide	1.0	Chatterbox_User_Guide
Changelog	1.0	Changelog

Design Files

• CAD Files
• PCB Files

Build Files

• 3D Printing Files
• PCB Build Files
• Firmware Files

License

Copyright (c) 2025, Neil Squire.

This repository describes Open Hardware:

• Everything needed or used to design, make, test, or prepare the Chatterbox is licensed under the CERN 2.0 Weakly Reciprocal license (CERN-OHL-W v2) or later .
• All software is under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0).
• Accompanying material such as instruction manuals, videos, and other copyrightable works that are useful but not necessary to design, make, test, or prepare the are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license (CC BY-SA 4.0) .

You may redistribute and modify this documentation and make products using it under the terms of the CERN-OHL-W v2. This documentation is distributed WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Please see the CERN-OHL-W v2 for applicable conditions.

Source Location: Chatterbox Repository

Attribution

The device was designed by Stephan Dobri for Neil Squire. It was based on the Open Playback Recorder, from Neil Squire.

The documentation template was created by Makers Making Change / Neil Squire Society and is used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license. It is available at the following link: https://github.com/makersmakingchange/OpenAT-Template

Contributors

Designers:

• Stephan Dobri
• Jake McIvor

Feedback providers:

• SpikedCola

Testers:

• Surrey School AAC Team
• SET-BC
• Augmented and Alternative Communication - Interaction and Technology Lab (AAC-IT) at Queen's University

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About Makers Making Change

Makers Making Change is a program of Neil Squire, a Canadian non-profit that uses technology, knowledge, and passion to empower people with disabilities.

Makers Making Change leverages the capacity of community based Makers, Disability Professionals and Volunteers to develop and deliver affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies.

• Website: www.MakersMakingChange.com
• GitHub: makersmakingchange
• Bluesky: @makersmakingchange.bsky.social
• Instagram: @makersmakingchange
• Facebook: makersmakechange
• LinkedIn: Neil Squire Society
• Thingiverse: makersmakingchange
• Printables: MakersMakingChange

Contact Us

For technical questions, to get involved, or to share your experience we encourage you to visit our website or contact us.